Constance (Connie) was born in East Ham, London, England on July 13, 1921. She was the youngest of four children born to Constance and Percy Bush. Connie had three brothers, Percy, Cyril and Stan who adored their baby sister.
Connie lived in London during World War II. During that time, she served in the Royal Corps of Signals in the Communication section. During her days in the Corps, she found time to have some fun at the Salvation Army Café where the troops would meet up with each other and share some well-earned downtime. The Salvation Army Café was where she met her future husband. Edward Salway (Ted) was serving in the Royal Canadian Air Force stationed in London. They fell in love and were married in England in March 1943.
Connie was a War Bride. The war was still on when she left England and her new husband, Ted, to board the ship, “The Duchess of Bedford” out of Liverpool, England. She, along with many other women who had married Canadian soldiers, arrived in Halifax, Nova Scotia. From there, several of the War Brides continued on to Hamilton, Ontario by train. She arrived at the city of her new home on May 27, 1945.
Connie and Ted had two sons, Richard Edward and Roger John who were both born in Lindsey, Ontario. They lived there for several years before relocating to Brantford, later to Oakville and eventually to the west end of Toronto. Connie continued to work as a civilian for the military in different locations for many years. She retired from the Canadian Forces Base, Downsview, Toronto in 1986.
Ted passed away suddenly in November 1981.
Connie began to travel with friends and family. Her travels with friends, included trips to Europe, UK and several US cities. She travelled with her son, Richard and his wife, Helen, to Florida, British Columbia and California. Her son, Roger, his wife, Cindy, and their children, Michelle, Bryan and Andrew moved to Mission Viejo, California in 1995. Connie made several trips to visit them in southern California over the years. She also loved visiting her granddaughter, Tammy, who lives in Rossland, BC with Mike and their two sons, Dylan and Liam. Trevor and Shawna live in Toronto with his two children, Eli and Abi. They were faithful in calling and visiting Connie, especially during Covid, even if it meant standing outside her window waving to her while talking to her on their cell phones.
Connie was truly an amazing woman. She took a huge leap of faith when she left her British family and life to move to Canada with her husband. She was a loyal and loving friend, loved her family…at 100 years old, she remembered all 13 of her great grandchildren’s names and birthdays.
We will always think of Connie and remember her beautiful smile that would light up the room.
